Congolese Republic: Unadopted designs from the Royal Mint

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Here are some images of some designs considered for the coins of the "Congolese Republic" (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), taken from Royal Mint documents in the National Archives, London. They date from 1964-6.

English artist Michael Rizzello was responsible for the designs.

First, here are the obverse designs that were considered.

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The reverse designs considered for the 1 franc were a duiker (antelope), ears of corn with leaves, and millet or oil palm.

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The other animal designs considered were:

5 francs.  Leopard.
10 francs. Eland.
20 francs.  Elephant.

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The other plant designs considered were:

5 fr.  Manioc.
10 fr. Bananas.
20 fr. Maize.

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The designs shown above were not accepted. 

Here are some of the artist's later (very rudimentary) sketches for some new designs.

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And here is the final art work for the coins.

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